May 2021
Pierpoint Lane between Third Street and Bridgeview Way
Orbital – 2021 – stainless steel colored anodized aluminum
Artists Jason Kelly Johnson and Nataly Gattegno – Studio Futureforms
Artists Statement:
Orbital is a contemporary garden folly, exploring geometric and material exuberance it evokes organic forms found in nature, but also giant robots and futuristic space vehicles. The structure is composed of three coiled legs that spiral towards the sky. The exterior surface is defined by stainless steel origami skins, while the interior space is wrapped by a vortex of colorful tactile shingles. Orbital’s dynamic form evokes an era of rapid change and uncertainty, while also inspiring curiousity and playful interactions.
Jason Kelly Johnson is lead artist and founding design partner of FUTUREFORMS. He brings an expertise in computational design and advanced digital fabrication, through the lens of critical art production and interactive technologies. Jason [b.1973] was born and raised in Canada. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia, and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton University. Johnson is currently an Associate Professor at the CCA in San Francisco, CA.
Nataly Gattegno is an artist and founding managing partner of FUTUREFORMS. She brings an expertise in design research and urban speculation, through the lens of art and design theory and urban design. Nataly [b.1977] was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She received a MA from Cambridge University, St. John’s College, UK, and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton University. Gattegno is currently an Associate Professor at the CCA in San Francisco, CA.
This piece was commission by Uber Technologies through San Francisco’s 1% for the arts